Which statement best describes how a switch operates?

A switch operates primarily at the Data Link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model, where it connects devices within the same local area network (LAN) and manages the communication between them. It uses MAC addresses to forward frames only to the intended recipient rather than broadcasting to all devices on the network. This selective communication helps improve network efficiency and performance. By managing data traffic between devices, such as computers, printers, and servers within a single network, switches enable multiple devices to communicate simultaneously without collisions.

The other options describe functions not relevant to the core operation of a switch. For instance, sending data to every device in a network would represent the behavior of a hub rather than a switch, which specifically uses its MAC address table to intelligently send data where it needs to go. Additionally, forwarding data using IP addresses is characteristic of routers, which operate at Layer 3 and manage traffic between different networks. Translating hostnames to IP addresses pertains to the function of a Domain Name System (DNS) server, not a switch.